Chapter 194 - Hundred And Ninety Four - It is just a hobby (1/2)
”Do you now intend to steal away my alchemist's recipe for this so-called 'improved' beast calming pill?” These words spilled naturally from the sharp, sword like tongue of a certain irrepressible Martial Artist. All this banter and friendly overtures in his mind was useless. Just get to the point already! His fingers itched to grab the handle of his sword. While he could in no way beat these old men with their much higher cultivation, did not mean he could not wound nor distract and allow his Leon to escape their clutches!
”While I don't deny my curiosity about it,” Volun replied, honestly, disrupting Jin Li's train of thought, ”I didn't actually come here to ask about it. It's a mere coincidence! Although naturally I would like for Leo to share his recipe, I wouldn't force him to do so. Even if I wish to speak on behalf of the weak-willed beasts that could be saved should the recipe be made public rather than benefits for myself or the school. No. In fact, you, young man, should know why I am here. Or did you forget the last request I made of you?”
”Tch,” Jin Li indeed had forgotten. It had not been in his best interests to remember it after all.
”What's d-do you m-mean? What request?” Leon piped up, curiously.
”I wanted to find out who had carved these charms.” Volun had not taken the small fish charm from the Coeurl cub, the little one was depressed enough without his toy being stolen away. Instead, Volun had happened to notice that delicate Butterfly charm hanging from the low boughs earlier and scooped it into his possession. Just like the fish charm, there was a strange symbol carved into its wing. Two things he'd noticed about this; the symbol was different to the one in the little fish charm and the spiritual essence within it was concentrated about the symbol. Perhaps the symbol was the key to holding the essence within the wood?
”Th-that is m-my w-work,” Leon admitted, for he felt as if he had no reason not to. ”It's a sm-small hobby. D-did you want m-me to c-carve something for you? It won't b-be as g-good as those who c-carve thing f-for a living, though.”
Such innocent eyes despite the oppression this youth had suffered while he had studied here and despite the overly protective yet arrogant noble-son behind him caging him in his grasp. Volun couldn't help but find this child adorable.
”Hmm, actually, I was wondering how you managed to carve spiritual essence into the charm.” He voiced aloud.
”Huh?” Leon looked very confused.
”What are you trying to imply?” Jin Li sneered. He had actually noticed the spiritual essence in the charm, but never thought much of it. After all, the jade and crystal carvings that he had encountered before hold spiritual essence within so what was the difference? Admittedly, for him to come in to contact with crude wood carvings, Leon's were the first.
”You don't know how you have managed such? How extraordinary!” Volun's expression of amazement was clear to see upon his face, leading both youths to think they had missed something.